Where history is forever carved into stone

Try to imagine what life was like 1,400 years ago for Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in dwellings carved into cliffs along a mountain range. That view becomes clearer with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, where the ancient culture is celebrated and preserved. Start at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to see a collection of artifacts, dioramas and displays. Drive nearly 10 kilometers on the Mesa Top Loop road, stopping to see a number of dwellings — at an elevation of 2,134 kilometers — and other sites, such as Petroglyph Point Trail to see carvings in rock and Sun Point Overlook for an unparalleled, picture-perfect canyon view.

Mesa Verde offers an intriguing look at the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in southwest Colorado for over 700 years. The park contains more than 4,000 known archeological sites — including cliff dwellings, pueblos and masonry towers — that are some of the most notable and best preserved in the USA.

To better understand the significance of these ancient sites, tag along on a tour. Throughout the year, park rangers offer guided walks around the ruins and provide an in-depth look at the way people lived hundreds of years ago. Mesa Verde National Park also encompasses hiking trails, many of them leading to scenic overlooks where you’ll find fantastic views of the desert landscape. In the winter, you can use these trails for cross-country skiing.